North East Wedding Hair Dos and Don'ts

Want to know how to achieve sensational wedding hair for your big day? We asked award-winning North East hairdressers Gary Hooker and Michael Young for their top tips…

DO FIND SOMEONE YOU TRUST
"This is is important, especially if they're coming to you on the day rather than you going to the salon. We do as many weddings out of the salon as we do in the salon these days, and would usually take some team members with us to make the bride feel as special and stress-free as possible. A bride would usually come into the salon for a trial beforehand where they meet everyone, and we would also take pictures for the bride to reflect on her look. This is key to you enjoy your big day, so make sure you know who the team around you will be."

DON'T PUT ON A SHOW
"Never pretend you're happy with your hair if you're not. Your stylist will understand if you need to try a few different 'takes' before you feel it's the style for you! The first thing that we would recommend you do is establish just how good your hairdresser is at wedding hair and updos. You may have been going to the same stylist for many years, but this is an important starting point, as some don't enjoy creating updos, but if you establish this far enough in advance then you have time to find someone you are happy with."

DO PLAN IN ADVANCE
"The right hairstyle is as important as the dress when it comes to the total look, and you wouldn't buy that in a hurry at the last minute! Achieving the perfect wedding hair takes some pre-planning. Planning your wedding hair in advance will also allow you to work out your bridal hair budget. Think about your mum, any other family members and the bridesmaids, and ask yourself if you want everyone to be styled by your hairdresser."

DON'T FORGET THE RUN-UP
"Talk to your stylist about homecare. You'll want shiny, glossy hair on your wedding day, so talk to your hairdresser about what products they would recommend and start to put the work in early - within eight weeks you should be able to see a noticeable difference. Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to get rid of hair-dulling product residue and add a hydrating hair mask into your routine. In addition, if you're worried about your hair looking lifeless then it would be a good idea to invest in a scalp serum or hair thickening treatment."

DO GET THE RIGHT ADVICE
"Find a stylist who can give you advice on how to wear your hair. There are two main options for your big day - either you stick to your natural style and simply enhance it with an accessory, or go all out with a wedding updo. Whatever choice you make, it is important to find a hairstyle that you're happy with and will make you feel confident on your big day. Your wedding dress will also play a big part in dictating your hairstyle and it is important to make sure your hairdresser knows what they're working with. If you're going for something Grecian, a half up or half down do that looks more relaxed is best. Likewise, a high neck or long-sleeved dress will look stunning with an elegant ballerina bun that shows off any intricate detailing on the dress."

DON'T ALTER YOUR LOOK
"By this we mean having a new cut or colour too close to the wedding day. Having a trim and colour touch up a couple of weeks before will allow enough time for your colour and cut to settle. If you get your hair chemically relaxed, curled or straightened, this is also a good time to book in for the service, as treated hair tends to look better after a fortnight. With two weeks to go until the big day, you may wish to consider an in-salon conditioning treatment to give your hair an extra hit of hydration."

For more information on Hooker & Young's wedding hair services visit www.hookerandyoung.co.uk